While the focus is on virtualization, the reality is that software has become an important component of next-generation wireless networks. Dozens of software announcements targeting software-defined networks and network functions virtualization are popping up at this year’s Mobile World Congress event showing a growing set of SDN and NFV offerings for operators.
–Wind River launched its Carrier Grade Communications Server, which it said was designed for network functions virtualization deployment and to integrate with existing networks. The company said the platform will allow operators to migrate their networks to NFV architectures while maintaining “carrier grade” attributes.
The new platform is based on Wind River’s Open Virtualization with Wind River Linux, Kernel-based Virtual Machine, enhancements to OpenStack and Intel’s Data Plane Development Kit accelerated VSwitch technologies. Wind River noted that the offering can run commercial off-the-shelf hardware, including Hewlett-Packard ProLiant servers and Intel Xeon processors powering infrastructure equipment. Wind River previously noted it was working with HP to certify the software on network equipment building system compliant HP ProLiant servers.
The platform is set for availability during the first quarter as an “early access release for select customers.
–Software giant Oracle unveiled an update to its Communications Network Resource Management solution designed to help telecommunications providers optimize network operations. The update includes the addition of Oracle’s Communications Unified Inventory Management 7.2.3; Communications Network Integrity 7.2.2.P2; and its Communications Network Intelligence 7.2.2.P2.
Oracle claims the enhanced platform can help in the planning, deployment and optimization of networks by building out mobile backhaul and fiber broadband networks, free up “stranded network assets,” and reduce leased capacity costs.
–Tilera and Procera Networks launched a deep packet inspection solution targeting software-defined networks and network functions virtualization. The solution combines Tilera’s TilEncore-Gx Intelligent Applications Adapters and Procera’s Network Application Visibility Libraray software development kit to provide Layer 7 application intelligence.
The companies explained that the DPI-on-a-NIC solution can plug into a standard X86 server to deliver up to 80 gigabits per second of Layer 4 to Layer 7 DPI while providing URL-filtering performance of 225,000 unique URLs per second.
–ZTE launched what it termed the “first virtualized cloud network function solution for multi-radio access technology networks.” The infrastructure player noted the solution integrates the functions of core networks and controllers through network functions virtualization.
ZTE noted that it worked with Intel to ensure the service works across common Intel architecture hardware, and can power multi-mode 2G, 3G and “4G” networks. The platform has already completed joint testing with a Chinese operator.
In addition to the virtualized cloud product, ZTE launched its Cloud UniCore Solution, designed to virtualize operations of EPC/IMS core network equipment. The solution relies on NFV and software-defined network technologies, and has completed its first virtual core network test with China Mobile. ZTE claims the service supported the deployment of dynamic network elements, flexible capacity scaling and the cloud-based management of virtual core network equipment. The test’s success led to China Mobile selecting ZTE as its virtualized core network partner.
–Software-defined network architecture provider Elephant Talk said it has completed the initial rollout of its Software DNA 2.0 platform that it says was developed in conjunction with wireless carriers in Spain and Mexico. The company said the hosted SDN platform was already managing millions of mobile retail customers.
The company’s latest solution includes virtualized software technology delivered via a hosted, outsourced cloud-based architecture that allows for network management in a single software solution; can support more than 10 million mobile subscribers with provisioning across technologies and standards; and is being offered on a “pay-as-you-go” service that allows for reduced capital investments in new hardware.
Elephant Talk claims that wireless operators can see up to an 80% savings by adopting SDN platforms, with those savings coming from both capital expenditures and operating expenses. The company expects to roll out the new platform to other mobile operators and mobile virtual network operator customers later this year.
–Radware announced a “next-generation” software-defined networking and network functions virtualization solution strategy targeting mobile carriers that it said includes an integrated security and application delivery framework. The solution includes control-plane and data-planes solutions designed to be integrated with SDN ecosystems.
Radware explained that the security and application deliver framework comes from its DefenseFlow DDoS solution that provides for multi-layer, real-time protection against application and network denial-of-service attacks and mobile advanced persistent threats; its Alteon NFV service that supports Layer 4 through Layer 7 reach, including GiLAN load-balancing, steering and service chaining; and its SteerFlow service-delivery-control-plane application that allows for GiLAS data-plane steering and service chaining.
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